Bill to ensure reliable energy passes second reading

ABUJA, NOVEMBER 3, 2017 – A Bill for an Act to provide for Legal, Fiscal and Regulatory Framework for Sustainable Energy Development in Nigeria scaled second reading in Senate on Thursday.

The Bill, sponsored by Sen. Ibrahim Gobir (APC-Sokoto) was read on the floor of the Senate for the first time on March 9.

Presenting the lead debate, Gobir said in spite the fact that Nigeria was the giant of Africa it was one of the least developed countries in terms of energy, adding that there was a need to change the narrative.

“Energy is vital all over the world because it is instrumental to development.

“Developed countries are moving progressively today because they have adequate energy to play with.

“Nigeria is the giant of Africa, but when it comes to the issue of energy, it is one of the least developed.

“We are backward because we have refused to utilise our abundant energy resources and the right energy mix. We cannot allow ourselves to be left behind.

“We are supposed to be the main energy producer in Africa but unfortunately we cannot even supply enough for internal use talk less of supplying to smaller countries in the continent,’’ he said.

Gobir expressed optimism that the passage of the bill would help get the country out of its energy problem.

Supporting the bill, the lawmakers said the bill was timely in view of the need to improve on energy generation in the country.

The President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki referred the bill to Committee on Power, Steel Development and Metallurgy for further action.